Papua, the bird of paradise land brought forth some important figures of Jamaican music in Indonesia. Legends like Black Brothers and Abresso paved their footprints as the breakthrough in the genealogy of Jamaican music in the archipelago. The regeneration process in Papua today is still promising. One of them who still carries this great legacy is Dave Baransano or better known by his moniker Dave Solution. He is our special guest in this end of year edition.

Through a video conference with Kultur he shared how he first entered the world of singing. The man who’s born on June 8th in Serui island confessed that at an early age he has honed his talent in singing through a church vocal group. He began to know Jamaican sound, especially reggae when he was in senior high school sometime in late 1990s and early 2000’s. Bob Marley was his first exposure to this music and became a role model and a big inspiration to a young Dave. He recalled Marley’s painting on walls and t-shirts in street vendors and stalls every time he went to market with his mother. The point of departure was when he got a present from his brother. It was a compact disc of Marley’s live concert in London. Since that time he fell in love with the music and began to make an in-depth personal search.      

The search was getting intense when in 2008 Dave and his friends formed a reggae community in Jayapura called Komunitas Rasta Kribo (KORK). Besides that he also became an additional drummer for several local bands. With this skill he went to his birthplace in Serui and formed a new band. It consists of 4 personils where Dave acted as the lead vocal while playing drums. Later the band was named ‘Dave Solution’ by his bass player, John since Dave had a crucial part in almost every composition of music they played and performed.   

Social issues in Papua and love are his primary concern and delight in making songs. He frequently combined and mixed verses with local languages and styles but still lingering in reggae music. 

One of the original and traditional groups from Papua  that really influenced Dave’s musical composition is Mambesak. This acoustic folks string band emerged in late 1970s and was led by an artist and anthropologist Arnold Klemens Ap. They gathered, played and performed songs and dances from different tribes in Papua. The group had 4 volumes of albums. Dave aims at reproducing Mambesak’s songs in reggae and so far he has made 2 renditions, “Bomboyesina’‘ and “Syowiyena.” This is due to Dave’s concerns that the young generations in Papua are no longer accustomed to Mambesak. Furthermore, according to Dave Papua is rich in culture. Each part of the island has its unique tradition and style especially from the highlands. Dave said people there have their own extraordinary tempo. Besides Mambesak, other local musicians and bands from Papua that inspired him are Black Brothers, Abresso and Yedijah Roots.        

“Yafandumba (Mi Nuh Cyar)” is an interesting single hit since it’s quite different from Dave’s previous releases. It is a combination of 3 languages, Bahasa, English, and Byak (local language) equipped with the powerful energy of Dub and Dancehall. The song emotionally tells about impunity that keeps on happening in some hinterland regions in Papua. The words “Mi Nuh Cyar” portrays people’s ignorance of this wrongdoing.      

Besides his ability in singing, Dave often put his raggamuffin style into his songs. He admitted to being influenced by Alborosie, Damian Marley, Anthony B and Sizzla Kalonji. However, he also said that Papua actually has their own tradition which is similar to raggamuffin.  

“Here (in Byak) we call it ‘Wor.’ It is a spontaneous call and response. I just recognize that we have our own raggamuffin style so I take it and combine it with Jamaican sound, and it’s fantastic! They have Jamaican style, Latino style so why not Papuan style? That’s why I put my Papuan toasting so I don’t need to use Jamaican Patois. I’m not a Jamaican, I’m Papuan”

His raggamuffin style can be seen in a collaboration single with Yedijah Roots, Noizekilla and Ras Muhamad. This song premiered in Reggaeville after 2 months of process including the video clip which was supported by Indira (camera woman) and Albanio (video editor).   

Dave has just released his new collaboration single entitled “Yuh Really Complete Me” with rapper, Albanio. Dave gives another different touch again. This time with a thick tropical blend. Despite its controversy, Dave said that people should see the song from the perspective of artistry. He also has a personal motivation and ambition to equalize the level of music in Jamaica.   

“I feel there’s something wrong if I begin to settle and feel secure. So I have to keep on learning to go out of my comfort zone and penetrate that level just like what I see is happening right now in Jamaica.” 

Dave Solution’s musical journey is dynamic. Some people reject him because they say reggae is not part of Papuan tradition. They even claim it as a threat to local practices. However, Dave wisely explains that music is a universal thing. Tradition and norms cannot be changed but we must admit the undeniably dynamic change of the world openly. We can adjust ourselves properly without forgetting our roots and tradition. Musician comes to bring another nuance to mingle with the existing norms and practice. He took the rejection positively. As a public and influential person Dave makes an analogy of himself by saying “only trees which are bearing fruits will be pelted with stones.” His passion and love for Papua is massive therefore he won’t stop to inspire people with reggae music despites it might not be that easy. His goal is to pass this great legacy to the next generation. He proves his integrity by recording and producing some young talented Papuan musicians.    

He also shares about the latest progress of reggae in Papua today. The covid 19 pandemic has slowed down the ecosystem of music in Papua but luckily through several big events during the past two months in Jayapura has given another hope and opportunity for local musicians. They are ready to make a good comeback. Here Dave poured all his efforts to keep the fire burning.   

“Reggae helps to change my life. God gives this music to change my faith from nobody to become somebody. Reggae directs me to the right path so I’ll use it as a means to educate and help other people.”

The regeneration of Jamaican sound is very promising. Dave said previously reggae musicians in Papua were dominated by those from coastal regions but today there are massive potential musicians coming from the highlands. One of them is ‘Mayo Band’ which he said has a unique arrangement of music. Dave shares his personal view to motivate those young musicians. He said they must do their best to make their own original materials. They can do research by seeing other artists as a reference and inspiration but they must produce their own authentic identity. Be yourself!    

So that’s Dave Solution with his biggest ambition which he strongly believes. He firmly and vigorously confirmed that reggae is his vehicle that will carry him to a place where he can make people smile and be happy. He believes reggae will make him and Papua bigger and bigger. And to end this interview session Dave sent a message to his fans that they have to see his works from the perspective of his artistry. Because by doing so they will keep on listening and appreciating his works and be happy about it. His music is a resonance that creates a home and becomes a company. It gives them joy, happiness, and comfort. His music is a means of expressiveness, a  safe channel to pour people’s feelings and inspiration.

Perfect Dave Solution! Well done!

(Words:Keyko,Sam & Yedi. Translation: Yedi)